CAIRNS Bishop-Elect Joe Caddy is trading in the cold Melbourne winters for tropical paradise as he awaits his ordination to the episcopate tonight.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge will ordain Bishop-Elect Caddy surrounded by members of the diocese as well as clergy and religious from around Australia at St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns, at 6pm.
Speaking to The Catholic Leader two days ahead of the ordination, Bishop-Elect Caddy said he went back and forth between feeling excited and overwhelmed.
“My time as vicar general in Melbourne (archdiocese) helped me see the scope of what a bishop does,” he said.
“That role was a great learning experience.
“But even more so, I think the years of working with people taught me that ministry has to be collaborative.
“We can’t do things on our own.
“I’ve always been grateful to have been able to build good teams around me, where everyone brings their skills and strengths.”
On that note – he confided he was already a “rusted on Maroons supporter”.
Having grown up and lived most of his life in Melbourne, he was also eager to check out some of the local Aussie Rules teams.
Bishop-Elect Caddy, 64, was educated by the Christian Brothers and went to Melbourne University before entering the seminary.
He said his call to the priesthood was gradual.
“Growing up, I never particularly wanted to be a priest, but I had an uncle who was a priest—a really good man,” he said.
“His name was also Joseph.
“So the idea of being a priest was always plausible.
“I didn’t put priests on a pedestal, but I didn’t see them as living unattainable lives either.
“It looked interesting, and I’ve always had a great love for people, particularly in the areas of social justice and social welfare.
“I’ve always felt strongly about advocacy and creating systems that are fair and equitable.
“I see that as part and parcel of priesthood, especially in building communities.”
Bishop-Elect Caddy was ordained to the priesthood for Melbourne in 1990.
He escaped now and again in the past to Cairns for holidays with a group of friends in Port Douglas.
“It’s just beautiful – the mountain country, the hills, the reef,” he said.
“I’m sure there are many other delights to discover, from the Torres Strait to Cape York.
“It’s going to be quite an adventure.”
Bishop-Elect Caddy said he had the chance to visit some parts of the diocese already and was impressed by all the work done by lay people.
“From my understanding, there’s a lot of good work happening through our schools, Catholic Care, and various Catholic agencies,” he said.
“We have good people working to put our mission into flesh and blood on the ground.
“There’s a huge contribution the Church can make to the whole community here.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the local communities.
“We don’t have many priests, and there are areas where priests don’t visit often, yet we can still maintain Catholic communities – that can only happen through good lay leadership.”
Bishop-Elect Caddy said his first priority was to listen, learn and visit.
He was looking forward to getting out on the road and being among the people.
